Rowing Australia Annual Report 2009-2010 - Australian Sports

Office location
The incoming Executive indicated that re-establishing
a Rowing ACT Office was a priority. I thank Rowing
Australia for renting us space in their Belconnen office.
We will have to find a new location when RA moves to
Yarralumla.
Strategic Review of Recreational Facilities around Lake
Burley Griffin by CB Richard Ellis:
ACT Sport and Recreation Services commissioned
consultants CB Richard Ellis to review recreational
facilities for water sports around Lake Burley Griffin,
and identify any shortcomings and limitations. RACT
submitted a comprehensive response following an
invitation from CBRE to participate. The requirement
to store our umpire launches securely, and preferably
close to the lake so that we can run regattas is our sport’s
highest priority. Building an appropriate RACT facility,
that might also include office space and storage of other
boats and equipment was identified as important in our
strategic planning. RACT’s response highlighted the
ACT and National planning complexities and delays
associated with release and suitability of sites. CBRE
supported the idea of a Rowing ACT Boat House
principally to store Umpire boats, and recommended
investigating site options for such a facility.
Our regatta venue and the shortcomings of the regatta
spectator area were observed by CBRE: inadequate
provision of parking, management of traffic, pedestrians
and bicycles, and the lack of facilities including toilets,
fresh water, power, and access for the disabled and
elderly. The CBRE report indicated that ‘the retention
and ongoing use of the existing regatta staging area is
unsustainable, particularly having regard to anticipated
growth in both the sport and ACT population, and that
an alternative venue should be sought’. Proposed ACT
Government changes to the approval process for Special
Event Management of traffic disruption adjacent to the
venue will reinforce this move to an alternative site for
spectators and boat trailers.
Head of the Molonglo
RACT will run its inaugural Head of the Molonglo
long distance (5km) time trial series later this year
incorporating the NTC Long Distance Time Trial #4
for single scullers on 18 December, and for fours, eights
and quads on 19 December. Thus the Saturday Single
Sculls event will include the Canberra based National
representatives who raced in New Zealand, and any
other athletes who want to challenge them over the
same conditions on a great stretch of water past the
Parliamentary triangle. Apart from the Internationals, the
event will have other categories and trophies, including
juniors and masters.
RACT hopes to establish this time trial as a great
weekend for both scullers and crews, and we appreciate
the co-operation from the NCRE in amalgamating the
NTC long distance Time Trial with this event.
Rowing Australia Annual Report 2009–2010
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